The Washington critic., 1887-11-01
AT THE THEATRES.

MRS. roTTER's rIRsT APPEARANCE.
Mrs. James Brown Potter, In whom Wash
iDgton society retains much interest, made
her American debut at the Fifth Avenue
Theatre, New York, last night, 10 DelpIps
play, "Mademolselle de Bressier.r The
plot is Frenchy 10 the extreme, and the per-
formance gives unlimited opportunity for
the display of Mrs. Potter's much.talkedo of
costumes. The cast, with Kyrle Bellew as
leading man. Is described as excellent. The
stage settings were historically correct and
OF great richness. During the evening Mrs.
Potter appeared IN a variety OF costumes,
each OF which was work Of art and Of as.
tonishing beauty and richness.
The performance was generally regarded
more In the light OF a society event than as
a dramatic first night.
Mrs. Potter Is to a large extent a CmTtC
creation, as 1t was In this paper that her
recitation OF "'Ostler Joe,n and the social
sensation 1t created, was first publicly dis
cussed.
THE SATIoSAL.--"THg HIGHEST BIDDER.n
"The Highest Biddern opened to good
house at the National Theatre last night
The play is a delightful comedy, and In the
character OF Jack Hdmmcrton, L. IL.
Sothern made many friends. The plot, al.
u
some exceedingly bright dialogue and sew
eral telling situations. The company is an
excellent one throughout, every character
being In charge of an artist who is capable OF
making the most Of 1t. The star was an
agreeable surprise to those who expected to
see more or less feeble imitation OF the
elder Sothern. The young man has original
ity as well as dramatic polish, and will be
welcomed by all play-goers rs capable and
intelligent exponent OF the higher class OF
comedies. Charles b. Bishop portrayed the
character OF BOnhdm CheUi0t In most ar
tistic manner that won him deserved ap.
plause.
The part of Sir Erclyn CRANE, the for
tune-hunting, diabolically genteel villain,
was. rendered with accuracy by Herbert
Archer.
The most favored member OF the com
pany, however, is Eugene b. Sanger, the
messenger boy who was sent to London by
Manager Frohman to distribute souvenirs
for "The Highest Bidder" On merely
walking across the stage he was greeted
with burst OF applause that would have
gladdened the hearts Of some Of the Oldest
people In the business. Whatever question
there may be as to the artistic proprety OF
introducing him In the cast as an adverils.
Ing dodge, messenger Boy, 1884," is An
undoubted success.
ALBAUGn's-"TnE TWO oRpuASs.n
The production OF "Thc Two Orphans at
Albaugh's last night was a pleasing event to
many. The play is perhaps the most thrill
ing romantic drama before the public, and
the fact that 1t is familiar does not appear
to lessen the play.goer Is interest In 1t. The
piece is well put on at Albaugh's, with Kate
Claxton as Louise and Charles A. Stevenson
as Jdgues. The scenic effects are elaborate
and handsome. AS Louise, Miss Claxton is
SO well known and 80 generally admitted,
that any comment as to her merits or short
comiDgs would be superiluous. The sup
port, although not strikingly strong, Is suf-
tlcient for harmonious production Of the
piece. 1.-TWO Orphans" will be repeated to-
day and tomorrow and Saturday afternoon.
HARRIS BIJoU-'cnRIs. AND LENA"
Pete +. Baker was well received at Har-
ris' Bijou yesterday. "Chris and Lena" is
becoming almost as persistent a play as
"Uncle Toms Cabin" and without nearly
so much OF au excuse. The songs, dances,
ETC., are neat and taking, and serve very
materially to relieve the tine.tried monot-
ony Of the piece.
KERSAN's-THE KERSELLs.
Harry and John Kernell renewed their
acquaintance with the fun.lovers Of WASH
ipgton at Kernan's yesterday with the most
gratifying results. The show is q good one
throughout and is good for big week.